How Does Art Benefit Middle Schoolers?

Whether we like it or not, across most educational institutions students are being funneled more and more toward STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects. And while these subjects offer a range of benefits to your middle school student, particularly if they are interested in these ways of thinking, it is dangerous to ignore the benefits of arts and humanities classes because we know from evidence that these kinds of practices deeply benefit students of this age group.

The Americans for the Arts organization, for example, recently published research showing that children who participate in art for three hours a day, three times a week are 4x more likely to achieve academic successes than children who do not. Arts lessons and practices aid in developing language, motor, and social skills, as well as developing creative problem-solving skills that are applicable across a wide variety of disciplines. 

So, how else do the arts benefit your middle student? Here are 10 ways that we at Crimson Rise see the arts benefit our middle schoolers:

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1) Music is a brain booster: Music activates the part of the brain connected with both academic achievement (ie reading and math) and emotional development; music should be a consistent element of a middle schooler’s educational journey, rather than an elective. 

2) Art boosts academic achievement: Art is inspirational! The Americans for the Arts   organization has discovered that students who engage in the arts regularly are three times more likely to win awards for excellent attendance and be elected to school office (prefect, president, etc). In low-income neighborhoods, kids who participate in the arts are twice as likely to graduate as those who do not, and have only 20% of the dropout rates of their counterparts. Arts inspire commitment!

3) Music aids in memory: Does your child forget to brush their teeth or turn in their homework? Music just might be the cure here, as research has shown that music aids in memory development. Music theory and playing an instrument can aid in learning word sounds and meaning and aid in motor skill development.

4) Music improves social skills: In the past, team sports and group projects have  been   the  “go  to”  in  education   for   improving  social  skills   in  students. However,  these  are  not   the  only options as   playing  an  instrument   in  music groups and ensembles can help build valuable life skills such as being a part of a team, relating to others, discipline, and leadership. 

5) Art and music enhance creativity: Did you know that 71% of employers say  that creativity   is   the   #1   skill   they   look   for   when   hiring?   Through art, children develop innovation as they are encouraged to express themselves and take risks, thus opening doors for job security in their futures. 

6) Art and music boost language and reading skills: According   to   the University of Southern California’s Brain and Creativity Institute, a 2016 study revealed that children’s brains develop faster, particularly in the domains of reading   and   language   skills,   when   they   are   exposed   to   music   in   their education.   

7) Art and music increase confidence: As kids practice art and music, their confidence   grows   because  peers  provide  constructive criticism and/or praise one another. This feedback aids in a child’s development of self-respect.

8) Art and music encourage critical thinking skills: Having an art education aids in critical thinking for young students. Drawing, painting, and other   visual   arts   develop  visual-spatial   skills,   thus   teaching   your   child   to interpret   and   use   visual   information.   Meanwhile,   music   aids   in   spatial-temporal reasoning, an important precursor to logical and abstract thinking, as well as the problem solving skills necessary for high performance in STEM subjects such as physics, engineering, and mathematics.

9) Art and music foster cultural and personal connections: By interpreting visual images from art history, students are exposed to cultural diversity, which winds up being a great asset for pursuing education in other countries as they mature. When a culture is explored through visual mediums such   as   paintings   or   sculptures,   the   brain   will   process   the   information differently than text. 

10) Art and music instill discipline: Whether   a   child   is   “naturally talented” in the arts or not, the ongoing practice that is required in order to improve aids in building character and discipline. From a practice schedule before   a   violin   recital to   having   regular   “arts   and   crafts”   time   as   an extracurricular, being involved in the arts teaches students the importance of having a consistent routine to attain improvement in their chosen discipline.  

Overall, art asks your middle schooler to invent, take risks, make decisions, and engage in critical thinking. All of these are essential skills which will aid them in being successful   at   the   high   school   level   and   beyond.  

How   else   can   your   child   be successful   in   high   school   onwards?   Reach   out   and   enquire   about  Crimson   Rise today, the world’s first college prep program for 11-14 year olds!

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Your friendly neighbourhood Rise blogger, 

Gala

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Learn more about Crimson Rise’s strategic mentorship, academic support, and extracurricular coaching for young students, and request a free consultation on your child’s journey!